Sex Positions After Joint Replacement

A guide to sex positions that are safe after either a hip or knee replacement.

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You’ve had joint replacement surgery. Your healthcare provider has said it’s OK to have sex. You may be wondering what positions are safe and comfortable. These positions should be safe after either a hip or a knee replacement. Try not to put pressure on your new joint. Take the same care getting out of a position as you did getting into it. If you had a hip replacement, always keep the joint within a safe range of motion.

For hip replacements

After a hip replacement, make sure the knee on the affected side:

  • Remains level with or below the hip.

  • Doesn't cross the belly button (the body’s midpoint)

Setting the scene

Having sex can be easier if you plan ahead. Here are a few tips:

  • Take a mild pain medicine about 20 to 30 minutes before sex. This can help prevent minor aches. Don't take strong medicine that masks warning pain.

  • Have pillows and rolled towels nearby. They can be used for body support.

  • Relax. Do a few easy stretches within a safe range of motion.

  • The shaded areas in the following images show new joints.

Face-to-face sex position showing figure lying back on pillows with pillows under and between knees. Another figure is straddling prone figure.

Face-to-face

  • This position works after either a hip or a knee replacement. Being on the bottom is safe for the person with a new joint.

  • The partner on the bottom who had surgery keeps their legs apart and turned out slightly. Use pillows to support the legs on the outside.

  • The person on the bottom can recline propped up on pillows or lie flat. This depends on their comfort.

  • If the person has a new hip joint, place pillows between their knees. This keeps the knees from crossing the body’s belly button.

Sitting in a chair

  • This position works after a hip or knee replacement. It's a safe position for a person with a new joint.

  • One person sits on a straight chair. Their feet are supported or are flat on the floor.

  • The partner sits on the other's lap.

  • Either position is safe for a person with a new joint.

Sex position showing figure sitting in chair with pillow between knees. Another figure is straddling seated figure.

Sex position showing one person lying on bed and one person kneeling on pillows next to bed.

Person with new joint lying and partner kneeling

  • This position works for a person with a new hip or knee joint.

  • The person with the new joint lies on the bed on their back. Their buttocks should be near the edge of the bed. Both feet should be supported or flat on the floor.

  • The partner kneels in front on pillows placed on the floor. The partner's hands are placed on either side of the person with a new joint's body.

Side-lying position

  • This position works for the person with a replaced knee joint.

  • The person with a new hip or knee joint lies on their side, with the new joint on the bottom.

  • Use pillows for support. 

Sex position showing figure lying on side with one leg bent and pillows supporting bent leg and head. Another figure is lying on side behind first figure, with one leg bent.

Sex position showing figure lying on stomach with upper body and knees and head supported by pillows. Another figure is lying on top with pillow between knees.

Person with new hip joint propped on elbows

  • This position is for a person with a new hip joint.

  • The person with new hip lies on top of their partner.

  • The person with new hip stretches out their legs behind them. They should have a pillow between the knees.

  • The person with new hip supports their weight on their elbows.

For the partner

If your partner has had a hip replacement:

  • Make sure your partner’s provider says it’s OK to have sex.

  • Help your partner stay within a safe range of motion.

  • Control the amount and speed of movement during sex.

  • Don't put all your weight on your partner’s hips.